Toyota Introduces Scion FR-S Sports Coupe Concept

By Katie LaBarre

Posted: Apr 25, 2011 10:56 a.m.

At the New York International Auto Show last week, Scion unveiled its FR-S affordable sports coupe concept. Originally dubbed the Toyota FT-86 in production, the FR-S will be a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with a flat-four cylinder engine, according to Road and Track. It will likely retail around $25,000, in close competition with American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, writes Inside Line. While some concepts never make it to production, “The FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the Scion brand next year,” says Toyota.

Toyota says the production model will have a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, mated either to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Car and Driver thinks that the production model will produce about 200 horsepower and will use a combination of direct and port fuel injection to further amp up its power. The concept displayed 20-inch wheels and 18-inch carbon ceramic disc brakes, but Autoblog warns its readers not to expect to see those make it to the showroom floor. Generally, larger wheels decrease ride comfort, and carbon ceramic brakes are expensive to produce and would add to the price. However, if these characteristics are a major part of why you love the FR-S, you can always have them upgraded with aftermarket parts.

So far, it seems like the auto press is most impressed with the car’s looks. “The Scion FR-S has looks that can thrill at a moment's notice,” writes Kelley Blue Book. USA Today says that the FR-S has “sexy looks,” and Jalopnik raves, “the FR-S should easily be the most handsome Scion ever.”

Wheels expects the production version to be pretty close to the concept, and estimates that it will be available in showrooms next year.

So, if you’ve decided to consider buying the FR-S, you’ll have to wait a while. But early reports sound like it may be worth the wait. But the auto press likely won’t have a chance to get behind the wheel for at least a year. This means we probably won’t know how the Scion handles or what kind of gas mileage it gets until 2012 or later. In the meantime, you may want to consider buying a Ford Mustang or a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata starts around $23,100 and earned our 2011 Best Sports Car for the Money award. The Ford Mustang starts a bit lower, around $22,150, and is currently ranked 1 out of 4 muscle cars. But, if you’re willing to wait and see more details about Toyota’s successor to the Celica, it may be worth it.

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It's about time that Toyota made a car like the FR-S! The Scion SC is a nice looking car, but it's front-wheel-drive and lack of power is a deal-killer.
With only 200 HP, the FR-S is certainly not a true performance car, but I'm sure the aftermarket will be loaded with go-fast goodies before the car makes it to the showrooms.
At $25K, it's kinda pricey for what it is. For just a few grand more, you can get a Mustang GT, Challenger R/T, or Camaro SS, all with over 400 horsepower and much more "name appeal". However, if Toyota would price the FR-S under $20K, they wouldn't be able to manufacture these cars quickly enough!

Look at the spy videos it doesnt quite look that agressive and luxurious. Agreed if its going to sit square in between the Lexus LFA and the Scion TC then it will need to be more power out of it but then if you consider the subaru side of things im willing to bet there will be a turbo version of it. n/a numbers are respectable for the real design. The public is just power hungry. I place it more in the tuner category like the civic, s2000, or maybe mx-5 (but not mustang like). After all it is SCION we are talking about and what is scion geard toward? Im going to wait till i see the Subaru version before i will officially make my choice.

Totally agree with Damian, it has an agresive looks, agresive-out of this world beautifuly design to just put a 2.0 liter and 200 horse power in it and sell it on the price of nearly a brand new corollla? Totally disappointed...it's like getting the nissan GTR, put a 3.0 liter and 295 horse power in it and sell it for about $28,000. Agresive-luxury designed cars should be respected.

This shouldn't be compare with the Ford Mustang ,or Mazda MX-5 Miata. It should be compared to a Porsche gt3 rsr, OR Corvette C6. I would suggest that Scion should put a 4 liter, 6 cylinder, twin turbo, rear boxer engine in it. Afterwards, it has the aerodynamic package ,but it has no engine in it! I also like the fact that it has a rear wheel drive, a 6 speed manual transmission, and paddle shifters.

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